BETThER Blog

YES!! You CAN Look Good In A BIKINI!!

 

Sure, summer is almost here.... and many lucky travelers will be heading towards the sun this season! If you are planning a trip anytime soon beware, after all, planning is everything and when it comes to buying swimsuits it can be the difference between "WOW and EUU!"

We all know this:  Often buying a swimsuit is often done on hope alone:  Hope we may be able to find something, ANYTHING! to make us look better and hide our flaws (all while being technically half naked).  Even though most of us will never look like the women paid to model them, we are bombarded by retouched images that we can't match...and you know what?  Thanks OK!  

 

Walk around any major city, do you see everyone looking like the women in magazines and catalogs?  I dont think so! you see normal, beautiful women in their own skin.  When you do see a model why do you think they are so easy to recognize?  Could it be because they don't look like normal people?

  

Women come in all shapes (I know, thats something we usually tell ourselves when we are having a fat day, bue it really is true)... why should the beach be any different than walking around in a city or town?  Is different because we are nearly naked! and thats a scary thought.

This entry comes with tips and no-nonsense advice on how to look your best at the beach, but remember how you feel inside plays a big part!  

Its All About Preparation.... Well... Sometimes!

We all know that we are what we eat and blah, blah, blah but it is true.: want to lose weight?... its always been diet and exercise.  Want smoother skin?  drink lots of water, and cut out caffeine out of your life.  Want luscious hair?   Invest in deep conditioning and ionic hair products.... you see?  For everything you want to achieve, chances are there are some aides out there.  So read on, here comes help!

Lets say that you haven't done your homework and those few pounds from winter are still hanging around come summer, don't despair and reach for those unflatering boy shorts, they dont look good on anybody over 8 years old!  There are the tricks to making swimsuit season work for you:

Accept your body and look at it objectively:  Trust me, I know is hard,  but eventually everything seemes easier once you start showing my assets and drawing less attention to flaws , of course, that isn't so easy to do with a bikini.... because there seems to be “no place to hide,” but it can be done.

Don't Shop Tired, Hungry or Frustrated:  What does that mean?   Well, have you ever gone to the supermarket starving and realized you got cookies that you hadnt eaten since the thrid grade?  well, the same applies to swimwear shopping, when you are hungry, tired, in a hurry (like right before a big trip, lets say to Mexico!)... 

if you are going to make an investment in swimwear (remember, the holiday may end, but the photographs will be there forever!) the pieces you invest in most not only be wearable, comfortable, durable and beautiful... but they have to look beautiful ON YOU...

So! Prep your body and prep your mind:  Shop when you have the time, weather online or in a store.  don't go on your lunch hour or take the kids with you.  Seriously!  Focus!  Ask for help at the store!  there are cuts you would never imagine could look good on you, if you don't try them.  Also color can make all the difference (and make you a few pounds lighter too!)

Prep your body:

• You may  think this is an urban legend but: Moister, Moister, Moister!  Technically you should maintain your skin hydrated.  Wash, scrub, moister or moister/tan those are the steps!

• Some people, for example, before they hit the beach often spray tan, to even color and have a bit more glow.   there are spra tans that color, others give you a glow and others do both, but if you are pale avoid overdoing too dark a tan, you  won't fool anyone. 

• A good spray tan can make you look thiner, and youthful (because you have extra picmentation).  A good tanning technician can even give you the illusion of a flat belly (within reason!), of course before the tan (bottled tanning also works great, if you take the time and do it well... no streaking!) I advice good old fashion scrubbing and moisterizer (dry body oil will make your skin look extra glowey, and darker skin oil can hide strechmarks and a multitude of scars and marks.

• Never understimate a good manicure and pedicure , specially when your feet will be exposed so salt, chlorine and sand!

• Try to deep condition your hair and keep haircoloring under control (if you will be in and out of pools, things could turn ugly, or should i say green and ugly?  

• Don't forget the escentials, bikini waxing/ shaving legs and going to a reputable place to get your eyebrows framed  (wax, tread or twized) , is the 20 minute facelift that doesnt cost a fornute and can really change your face.  This may be about bikinis, but you need to keep the total package under consideration!    

Prep your mind:

• Decide what are your flaws, we all have tons, do don't go crazy!
• Decide what are your best features.  Best features can be lips, hair etc, they don't have to be "big boobs or "round butt".
• Decide how to hide those flaws and how to showcase your best features.  This can be achieved easier by choosing the right colors, cuts and styles to fit your body shape.  Just look at our blog entries to see what works and what doesn't, all the information on picking the right swimwear for you is there.
• Find your style.  Are you bohemian?  Classic?  Trendy?  It is important to pick your swimwear based on your style so you don't clash with your accessories and keep your beach look together.  Just imagine having classic sandals, a nice woven tote and a beautiful beach hat matched to a thong?  Not a good look!
• Decide what activities you do at the beach?  That plays a part! 
• Decide where you are going and determine what goes best with the place where you will be

Then you are ready to decide on your look, yes, there is such a thing!

WHERE ARE YOU GOING MISSY?

Luckily for you, at BETThER, we believe in mix and matching, as well as creating a whole coordinated look without looking “too done”, I mean, is the beach for god’s sake!!   But the truth is, there are some swimwear pieces that work better in certain places:

Copacabana and Ipanema beaches aren't places to show off... unless its skin!

These beaches are very laid back and people bring their own chairs and umbrellas.

Brazil Bikini DO       Brazil Bikini DONT

Big grandma style bikinis and ugly prints need not apply.

While in Rio, simplicity comes to mind, little or no jewelry or accessories, seriously, a pair of shorts, a bikini and a pair of flip-flots (and a caipirhina) are the things you need.  Some Cariocas (women who live in Rio are called that) don't even bring towels at times!

Scenes like these are an everyday thing at Nikki Beach and La Voile Rouge in St Tropez.  Yes, those are bottles of champagne, not water!)

ST Tropez Bikini DO ST Tropez Bikini DONT

In St Tropez things couldnt be more different:  I am talking about beach couture all the way, I often try to count how many Hermes Birkins I could see being carried as totes, I lose count every summer.  Jewelry (the bigger and the most expensive, the better) immaculate hair and even make up are not strange to see ... going in the water is not why people go to st tropez, and looking a cut above is de rigeur... 

 

On The left:  Pretty Hamptons NY.  On The right:  Saucy South Beach.  

Wear the wrong swimwear at these beaches and you will be pretty much left in the shade.

Hamptoms Bikini DO Hamptons Bikini DONT

South Beach Bikini DO South Beach Bikini DONT

Dubai Bikini DO Dubai Bikini DONT

Bali Bikini DO Bali Bikini DONT

A nice print can make and break your bikini.  Gaudy print is a dead giveaway for cheap, bad taste!

The Hamptoms is where prim, propper pastels will never go out of style.  Miami is hot and heavy and too much skin its never frowned upon (seriously!).

Now you get my point?   Where you going  and what activities you engage in, determine what you should be bringing, and not all swimwear are made equal.  So decide where you are going and  what you are doing:  

Lounging by the beach or pool?   Partying?  Sports?   All of the above?.... Plan ahead and plan for everything.  Do you know that the average woman takes at least 3 swimsuits to a 5 day long getaway?

What are you trying to hide.... or show?

Got a great bust?  Then triangle or halter tops have your name on it... but dont do bondeau... it will give you an extra pair of boobs.... seriously!  

Stomach not so tight?    perhaps a one piece with a high cut bottoms to play up your legs can be a solution.  Also bikini styles that are belted can do wonders for your mid section, creating the appearance of curves.

Remember though:  if your thighs are wide, adding more fabric to them wont make things better.  playing with colors can be a better solution, If you have a small bust, wrapping yourself in padding may seem like a good idea, but who wants to walk around with extra wet padding?, you need to play around with what you have in a way that makes you good but also natural.  who ever looked good AND fake at the same time?

Just remember: if you buy something too small hoping to slim into it later, then most likely you wont, or you will need to buy another half way through your vacation, (you do intent do eat, dont you?) so buy something that fits, I cant stress it enough.

Ff you feel you dont have the coverage you need in a specific style, dont go larger, just try another style or interchange the pieces. (like if the bottoms are perfect, then choose another top)  thats why we sell all pieces as separates.  Make sure your top supports you, no one want to be drooping all over the place.  

We mostly make bikinis with high cut legs, this particular style lenghten your legs and make the hips and thights look slimmer, this is no accident, this is the best cut to flatter most bodies.

Last but not least, do not shop blindly just because something is popular or in season.  You need to take into account all the above points to determine if the suit is right for you.  Do not ignore the classics, and by that I mean Color, White, Black, Brown and Red are staples that every woman should wear. These colors are always flattering and slimming!   Swimwear collections come out every year, following trends without listening to your own personal style is not the answer.

TO SUM IT ALL UP!

The color of your skin is more important than the color of your bikini: example:  Green is a hard color to pull of if you are very pale, pink is not a great color if your skin has pink undertones or frekles.  Also a good fake or spray tan will hide many more sins than you can confess!

Please check out my entry "what works what doesn't" in which i explain color/cut and shapes in detail!

OH. MY. GOD. Can you believe this? TRUE OR FALSE?

- The less fabric on your swimsuit the thinner you look -TRUE!

- With a big bottom, boy shorts are better than a moderate coverage bikini - FALSE!

- A halter top flatters most cup sizes - TRUE!

- Sarongs make everyone look thin - FALSE!!! (specially if you tie a big knot on it!)

- Brazilian cut bottoms are too small - FALSE!!  Brazilian bottoms make your butt look smaller.

- lower leg cuts help disguise your hips and thighs- FALSE! the lower the cut on your bottoms, the thicker and shorter you will appear.

Give me color please!!! 

Super pale skin?  Dont blend into the background with a plain white bikini 

How about Blues? (aqua, poweder blue, cobalt) or greens! yellow and reds, even pink orange are bound to look better.  Also think patterns! patterns! patterns!

Bronze skin?  Orange, gold, white, blues, and pink stripes are great!

But stay away from pistachio, dark brown, olive and mauve... they drain your complexion

Luscious dark skin?  You are in luck!  baby blue, white, red, pink, are great choices, but avoid dark brown, magenta and some greens.

Remember, these are just standard recommendations... obviously if you find a fabulous bikini or cover up which has a bit of a color you should avoid, you should just consider how much of that “bad color” is in it, and decide for yourself.

xoxo

Nilsa

NEW YEAR... NEW YOU! Celebrity Looks To Avoid... At ANY Cost

HAPPY 2010!!!  Now that all the food has been eaten, spirits drunk and outfits worn, we are heading back to the reality of January sales, freezing cold and the hope of a new year.  I ran across some pictures of our favorite (and not so favorite) celebs out and about and well, thought it may be a good idea to start the year off right by going over which looks we must avoid at any cost!

Just because they are celebs that doesnt mean they get it right, in fact they often get it super wrong, AND WE LOVE IT!  Sure, there are the lifetime award winners for bad taste, I am not covering those, I am talking about the ones that get it right and sometimes go "off the wagon" .  They may be famous, but how many times we walk down the street and see their clones sporting looks that quite frankly dont make any sense?

The Homeless Look

I admit it, I leave the house without make up almost everyday.  I really cant spend every morning doing my make up.  But from going out without make up and just a tshirt and jeans (and sometimes I am guilty of wearing the odd pair of Uggs!) to this:

 

Ms Barton: Like A Hobo!

Well, there is a big difference.  The homeless look is nothing new, it seems to be the bastard offspring of Boho and punk, (also known as I have been sleeping in the same clothes for a week)... so as you can imagine, is a marriage made in hell.

The Kentucky Derby Whore (when you are not at the Kentucky Derby)

 

She sure doesnt support her twins

Looking like the easter bunny mixed with a whore in church is never a good look.  Sure, wearing a nice hat can complement any outfit, but when the hat BECOMES THE OUTFIT, then you got another thing going... a BAD thing!

The "Schoolgirl-Slut" Combo

 

Please welcome on stage 5, Crystal!!!

Believe it or not this is still a matter for much debate among some women! LOL some believe that maximum exposure is the only exposure, yet feel they should cover "a little something" for prudence sake.

Fergie, above is a master of bad dressing.  I dont blame her stylist, because after all, she has access to top designers, beautiful FREE clothes and she was born with a pair of eyes and last I checked she hadnt gone blind.  I love Fergie, but I think she needs to fine tune her look.  piling things together to look like a slutty catholic girl only looked good on Britney Spears (in a music video) leave that look for the bedroom love.

The WTF? Look

 

Tinkerbell is all grown up and gone wild!

Yes. Its Madonna.  Yes. Its Louis Vuitton.  Yes.  Its gone horribly Wrong.  Cute boots though!  PS. when will celebrities and normal people realize that runway looks dont always translate in real life?  

The "I Can Fit Ten Kids In Here" Look

 

Yo MIA:  Being pregnant is no excuse for this!

Oh God, this Girl M.I.A. is super petite and here she looks like a fat midget.  There, I said it.

Petite girls need to learn to trust good tailoring.  The wider your outfit the shorter and fatter you look. Plain and simple.  there is no escaping this rule when you are under 5 feet 4 inches.  I had a thing for shift dresses a few seasons ago, I even bought one... I have worn it with a belt every time.   the Difference is clear:

insert red barbara bui dress with and without belt.

The "Mr. &  Mrs. Ghetto" Look

 

Tracksuits: a clear and present danger in the fashion world.

Never a good choice and specially when the print is this hideous.  Tracksuits?  Are you serious?  No matter how you call it "Chavy". "Ghetto" or "urban eclectic" this look is just plain nasty.  PS your butt DOES look bigger in that love!

The "Is She Really Just 16?" Look

 

16?  24?  32?... you will only know when she open her mouth

How is this possible and what is the point?  Shes 16 (or 17) why look like you are about to be 28 (Im being generous here).  No wonder so many guys can no longer tell that a girl is underage.  when I was 16 I dressed like I was 16 (for better or for worse) and I actually dont regret it, looking back I could have done with a little less eye liner but thats besides the point.  I am a big fan of experimenting, but this is ridiculous... dressing your age isnt just for the 40 or 50 year olds... its for everyone.

The "Why Bother?" Look 

 

Yes, she went to NOBU dressed like that.

I am guilty of this one (going to the gym, supermarket) but luckily I am not a celeb and I can afford to.  However, looking like you just dont care when you are meeting a friend for lunch, going shopping or to a premier, thats just not acceptable.  Who wants to look like they need a good scrub?  Not me and certainly not you!

The "Stripper Off Duty" Look

 

Tape:  The ultimate fashion accessory

Ahh! where would we be in the fashion world without the occasional dilusional half naked bird?  There would be a lot less finger pointing and muffed laughs for sure.  If you want to show skin there are many ways to do it, this isnt one of them.

The "Borrowing From Grandma" Look

 

 Kelly Clarkson obviously think she looks great.  

Shapeless, busy (in all the wrong places) horrible beading and very very unflattering.  How she thought she looked great is beyond me.  the dress does nothing good for her.  its out of style, its too old for her, hell, even women twice her age wouldnt be seen in this monster of a frock.  the little black dress:  Gone horribly wrong.

The "I Just got back from Aspen" Look

Neon moon boots in the subway, because why the hell not?

Attention shoppers:  Moon boots are for ski resorts, it doesnt matter how badly you want to wear them on the streets of major cities, they make you look ridiculous, enough said.

Laughing at people isn't funny, laughing at what they wear totally is!  So start the year with the right fashion sense and remember: We all have the potential to look like this, unfortunately.

xoxo 

Nilsa

Before & After Styling... And How You Too Can Manage It

Ok, the holiday party season will soon be in full swing and we all want want to "sparkle" a bit more than our usual jeans-high-heel-and-sexy-top-combo..... well, why not take a short trip down memory lane and see how some celebs have managed to go from "blah to fab" with shocking results! 

I ran across some not-so-great photos certain celebs wished we would all forget (or at least not find on Google Images).  Sure!  Some of these girls have had what I consider "miraculous" transformations with a little help from their friends (personal trainer, chef, stylist and the odd plastic surgeon perhaps?.... DISCLAIMER: I am not claiming these people had work done, but judge for yourself:

Yes, that really is Megan Fox before going "glamazon" on us.. Her stylist is worth her weight in gold.

What a difference a few hollywood B movies and a billionaire husband can make!

      

British star Cheryl Cole:  The biggest transformation since water into wine.
     

Left: Jenny from the block.  Right:  JLo from Park Avenue

Thanks for getting rid of those "holiday braids".. Braids look good only on Bo Derek

Flip-Flops... words. fail. me.

Left: Plain Old Betty Right: Oh La La, Bette!

Newcomer Star power

Based on what I see, I dare suppose that people just grow into their looks... with a little help.  How can we mere mortals with no unlimited budget for make up artist, hair stylist, personal shoppers and a hot personal trainer named Jorge achieve these transformations? want a clue?  check this out:

        

 Yup, even I dont want to "Own Up" to what I really look like without make up! LOL LOL

Thats me on the left, having some fun "al naturel" in Cuba.  

Thats also me on the right, in full make up and hair.  If I can look like that, then so can you!

I never said you have to look perfect EVERY WAKING OUR.  I dont wear make up everyday.  I love make up, I love working different looks depending on the occasion, but I am not willing to subject myself to the type of prepping Victoria Beckham goes through everyday of her life.  (I love Posh) and we all need a little bit of Posh in our lives, but everyday?  Good God no!

All I am saying is that if you are like me and want to add that little something extra to your look this holiday season, that is absolutely do-able!!!  Even if you are not a celeb.  So here are a few pointers:

Hit the gym... seriously, there is still time!!  Muscles have memory and you will be surprised how quickly you can tone.  losing weight however, takes a lot more effort... but 3 times a week (two if you just cant bother).. are good enough to do the trick.  You arent going to look toned and hard without some sweating.. sorry

Fake the Gym:  try to play up your best features while hiding the bad.  Always remember that you shouldnt show too much legs, back or boobs, SPECIALLY ALL AT ONCE!

 

 Yeah! that was her wedding breats!  I mean, wedding day!

Keep your hair color uniform.  avoid a million highlights.  condition it because it wont be luscious at the last minute. Ah! cutting it every 5 weeks has always been the secret to keeping those split ends at bay.  Avoid fuzzy hairstyles, radical coloring and unflattering cuts (that do not go well with the shape of your face)..Remember the words of Homer Simpson:  "But my hair is who I am!!!"

Match your make up to your skin (so important) I am now a proud owner of a Temptu machine:

 

I wanted an airbrush machine for the longest time and got this one at Sephora a few weeks ago.  It isnt cheap $250 for the machine $50 for the make up (which lasts up to 4 months).  I was wearing bare minerals before and loved them, but I had to put foundation first to cover blemishes and a sealer after to give my face a little glow, after having a make up artist use the Temptu on my I was a believer.  It takes me 15 minutes to do my make up now and I am not looking back!

We cant all afford airbrush machines, but we can all afford to pay a make up counter a visit.  You have no idea how many women are wearing the wrong foundation shade.  The result can be aging and obvious, invest in a good coverage foundation that matches your own skin.

Contour your face:  highlighters, bronzers they are there to help you define your face.  if you dont know how to do this on your own those bored make up counter girls will be happy to help you.  it may surprise you to know that many of them are professional make up artist (try the MAC counter, you will never go wrong with their advice).

Pay attention to your eyebrows.  They frame your face and when well groomed, they give your face a lift that Botox never could.  Please avoid thin eyebrows, they add years to your face and dont look good on ANYONE.  Staying as close to your original shape is the way to go, eyebrow shapes are not about "trends" they are about what works with your own face... what better than the shape you were born with, just cleaner?

 

Eyebrows:  The closer to your original shape, the better!

Stay away from experimental eyeshadow, it doesnt matter if it is christmas!!  Silver, Blue, Red... anything too weird will look just that: weird.  Revlon makes great palettes according to eye color which makes it painless to apply, my god! some even have numbers on them so you know which ones to apply first to last:  Its fault-proof!

Dont always copy the looks you see on magazines.  Specially those runaway looks.  They are done by experts and you will never match it.  I am a big fan of Bobby Brown make up because she enhances what you got, so you look great, but still look like you.  

Use blush with caution, you dont want to look like you swollowed two whole apples.  blush can be a real complement when done right.  Nars Orgasm still sales quick at most department stores.

 

 You DO NOT want to end up looking like this at your office Christmas party

Lipstick:  thats the one bit you can go wild, but please keep the liner the same color as the lipstick so you dont look like this:

 

lipliner ruins all! (lets not even mention the over plucking going on here)

Now that make up and hair are covered, remember the clothes, I am only covering the obvious.

Wear what flatters your body. Value cut and fit above all else.  

Stay away from what is now called "throw away" clothes (anything cheap and low quality just because is affordable.  invest instead on pieces that have quality and don't fall apart in the wash.

Avoid loose styles, they only make you bigger.

Pay attention to tailoring. I know I already said that, but you will be surprised how many beautiful clothes are not hemmed or fitted right.  Pick a good tailor to perfect those bits, it makes all the difference for a custom made look.

Stay away from VPL (visible panty lines) they can ruin any outfit.

Wear colors that favor your skin and dont depend on a 100% black wardrobe, color can be a lifesaver!

beware of styles that you cant easily integrate to what you already own: you will never wear them.

Dress your age.  Painful I know, but insightful.

Hire a closet consultant (if you can afford it), they teach you how to re-work the clothes you already have and even combine styles you never even though you had in your closed, its cheaper than buying new clothes.

More important:  Trust your instinct:  If something doesn't doesnt seem right, it probably isn't.

xoxo

Nilsa

My Jimmy Choo (for H&M) Experience.. Was It Worth It? You Bet Your Ass!

I am a sucker for bargains, if i could I would live at Century 21... So the H&M/Jimmy Choo collaboration was something I just couldn't pass on.

I was there when uncle Karl Lagerfeld did his thing for H&M 5 years ago.  I was there when Stella did it, and ditto for Viktor and Rolf.  I wasn't there for Cavalli though (I don't like his prints).

When I learned that Tamara Mellon was bringing her Jimmy Choos... I had to go.

And so I went.  I queued at 5:15 am exactly.  Yes, 5:15 am.  at the corner of 51ST in NYC.  When I arrived the line was already around the block.  People were sleeping rough, in sacks, under umbrella.  It was raining.

apparently some people had arrived at midnight.  Thats what I call devotion.  Women will do just about anything for shoes, that it has been proven.

I arrived prepared:  No liquids all morning (couldn't afford to be in line for 5 hours just to ruin it all at the final stretch by running to the bathroom) OH NO!.  I wore a warm coat (funny enough everyone seem to be wearing "The North Face", and comfortable, easy to take off shoes.  I had a snack in my pocket, my ipod a several credit cards... you never know when one could be declined.

I got in line.  I never used my IPod.  Having done this before I knew what to expect:  Free umbrellas, free H&M tshirts and Krispy Kremes!

The women waiting in line (and the few men) were very friendly, euphoric about what they would buy they would show me in their blackberries their dream purchases.  

I was there for one thing and one thing only:  The thigh high boots.

 

H&M staff did a good job compared to previous years in which after waiting for hours I literally had to run for my life towards the store once it opened.  I was given a wrist band (I was in the orange group) and after all the freebies and the donuts (which by the way, great idea:  you don't want to unleash women with a low level of sugar in their bodies in that store... someone would have been hurt!)

One concern among the women was "God, I may not get what I came for".  I told them, having done this before that they would all get what they came for.  I just said "look, if you get to the item you want and they don't have your size just stay put in front of it, these people work like ants, they will come back shortly with a new load from the stockroom, just stay put".  I later caught on with the women, they agreed that they had to wait a bit, but got everything.

we were walking in via the red carpet.  women were screaming "hi ho lets go!" and "this is how we do it!" amazing!  we were let in (only the first 160 lucky ones) and I shopped for clothes.  having the wrist band meant we would be called by group to where the shoes were, think of it as a store within a store.  I had a full hour to buy handbags and clothes in both the womens and mens department before hearing into the coveted shoe area.

The clothes were a bit of a disappointment.  I wanted the leather one shoulder one.  The gray suede one was prettier, but I am not a size 2 an on me the size 6 looked a bit funnier.  It compressed my boobs a bit too much.  I left it.  I also didn't bother with the leather leggings.  I did buy a cute sparkly top for my step-daughter, and I got 4 of the cute pink clutches to give away as christmas presents.

 

These babies were going fast

The handbags looked well made, but expensive and I didn't bother because I am too picky with my handbags.  you can wear a cheap 10 dollar dress but pair it with a Hermes Birkin, a Louis Vuitton or a YSL bag and the dress suddenly becomes 50 times more expensive.  The reverse doesn't work:  expensive clothes+ cheap handbag doesn't return the favor.  I did however, got a man's computer bag for my stepson and was delighted in the style and quality.  Christmas will be good this year!  

 

After what it seems forever my group and I were allowed in the show department.  I RAN straight to the boots, which I located almost immediately due to the size of the box.  Remember we had only 10 minutes per group to try on shoes, when the time was up, they let you know it and it was bye bye Jimmy.

I got the last pair of 7 boots.  I was shaking (seriously!) when I put them on.  I was so afraid they would not fit.  THEY FIT.  They looked great.  I even wore leggings to make sure I could try them on.  They fit, the 5 am wake up call had been SOOOO WORTH IT!

When I got to the cashier I heard what I had been fearing, the manager said: "wow you got one of these? (thigh high boots).  I said "yes, I got up at 5 for these"... she said "good for you, we only got 20 pairs of these, so you just got very lucky".  I KNEW IT! if i had come at 6 am those boots would have been gone and I would have been kicking my own rear!

I was a total bandit, I took the boots and 3 pair of beautiful heels (1 for me, 2 for gifts... I am not that selfish!).  I walked out of the store at 11:45 with the biggest smile you can imagine.

    

I think H&M has come a long way when doing these "one off" designer events.  If you compare the quality with the Jimmy Choo to the Karl Lagerfeld items, you will find a considerable difference.  

Now remember, this is more H&M than Jimmy Choo, these are cheaper made, they are still gorgeous, but they are not made in Italy or London... in fact I don't know where they are made.  If the price is cheap, so is the shoe, thats a no brainer, but judging by the faces of the women who were there, they couldn't care less!  I have worn my shoes a few times and they are comfortable, look great and they didn't cost $600 a pop... I am a happy camper!

I got what I wanted and more, I will definitely be going back for these events... I guess I will be camping out at midnight when they bring in the Christian Louboutin for H&M... ummmm saving up my cash already!

xoxo

Nilsa

PS.  I took my lovely boots to be resized (they were a bit big around the thigh, so now they fit like a glove, I also had the shoemaker put in soles to protect them, no sliding down the street for me!

Swimsuit Shopping Sucks!... Not like you didn't know that!

Yes, I have been there.  You have been there.  The small cubicles, the terrible fluorescent lights, that pang of disappointment when you realize that the swimsuit doesnt fit.  The frustration.  No wonder its known that the hardest things to buy (for a woman) are jeans, wedding dresses and swimsuits. 

Psychologically it makes perfect sense:  Jeans have become our uniform, that "wear-it-with-everything" item we can pair with heels and a sexy top, or dress down with a white crispy shirt and ballerina flats.  

The wedding dress?  well, thats a day every woman dreams of.  all eyes on you.  thats enough pressure!

The swimsuit?  well, thats the one item of clothing that lets everyone see where you are hiding your flaws. you do what you can to hide them in the real-clothed-world, but once you hit the beach:  All Bets Are Off!  That reasoning alone is enough to make you break into a cold sweat.

    So What Makes Shopping For Swimsuits Such A Miserable Experience?

I guess I will start with those terrible dressing rooms in department stores.  It doesnt seem to matter where you are, H&M or Barneys New York.  They all seem to make you look worse than what you think you look.  The lights, the compact space, the mirrors.... in my opinion getting in the room is already half the battle.

 

The endless search for the perfect bikini seems to be just that:  an endless search from store to store.  I always wondered by swimwear is often placed at the back of the department stores. in often dark areas, is it because there is no point?  women will buy it no matter how terrible it is?  Hardly!  Someone needs to tell certain department stores that women go on holiday all the time, often with 3 different sets, that buying a one piece or a two piece is as important a process as it is picking up those lovely new Louboutins.  So why do they keep jamming the racks with swimsuits of all sizes in the back of stores as if we were walking into a cave?  It sure feels like it.

 

The number one complaint:  The pieces dont fit!

If you ever wondered why the swimsuits come in sets, let me tell you the terrible truth:  Its not because you are perfectly symmetrical and you are a perfect small, medium, large or extra large both on top AND bottom.  

It is done because its cheaper.  Manufacturers save money by selling everything in sets weather it fits you or not, that is not their concern, unfortunately.

I have spent years buying to suits (same style, same color) just one in small and one in medium.  Small top, medium bottom.  that hardly seems fair doesnt it?

The lack of help: 

Wonder into any shop, swimsuit department and look around for help.  email me when you find it.  Apparently 80%  to 85% of women wear the wrong bra size.... what percentage do you think wear the wrong size bikini?  I dont know the number, but considering what I see on the beach, I would say A HELL OF A LOT of women are buying sizes that dont fit.  This is no accident.  And to all this I wonder:  Where are the dedicated, knowledgeable sales clerk?  Out to lunch, it seems!

 

The abundance of "bad" help:

Ok, so sometimes there is no help and sometimes there is "bad" help.  Oh! how I long for those magic words:  "may I help you!"  

Not everyone knows what looks good on them, not everyone knows how to pick colors, cuts and styles. Thats a given... but what about the people that work in those stores?  often they know less than we do.

Very rarely you would find someone at a store giving you an opinion on what would look better on you.  I wonder if it is store policy not to upset the customer.  In this "politically correct obsessed world, no one wants to tell someone that maybe that thong would not look good after all.  I wished they would.

 

This may look hilarious, but what if that elephant was you?

 

So what can YOU do and how can you change the dreaded swimsuit experience into something more positive?  

First, lets be realistic:  Shopping for swimsuits is never easy, it rarely gets better and it always will demand some research, leg work and positive attitude on your part. unless of course, you are Kate Moss, which I am not, thats why I research well before I buy.

There is a suit out there for everybody... but what you really want is a suit for YOUR BODY... unfortunately you wont find it without knowing the basics: which color and cut works for you.  Check out my earlier blog entries for simple info on this.

The best advice I can give is:

If you go shopping for swimwear, why not treat that experience as a preview?

Shave/wax your legs and armpits... you would be surprised how body hair can make you look a lot worse than you imagine.

If you know you will be using tan, then use it for the try out, you may not like a color and then realize it looks great on you once you are tanned.

How about NOT eating filling/ starchy meals before shopping?  If you bloat, you will only look worse.

If you can, bring a friend!  just make sure you can trust her to tell you the truth.  also taking pictures on your phone may work, as you dont have to buy immediately, you can have a chance to see what you look like in it yourself.

Play to your features:  Great Breasts and not so great legs?  Accentuate the breasts and play down the legs.

Do not, I repeat:  DO NOT go swimwear shopping before your period.  This should be a no brain-er!

When in doubt accessorize, accessorize, accessorize!!  a nice hat will distract from your hips, nice bangles will take away from your stomach.  Just put the accessories where you want people to look first.

Dont go shopping for swimwear when you are in a rush:  shopping during your lunch hour only will frustrate you, and you may even end up with something you dont like just so you can get the shopping out of your way.

Just because you are a size 6 in clothes doesnt mean you are a S/M in swimwear.  Some run larger or smaller depending on the brand, so do yourself a favor and keep an open mind about a size you dont usually wear.

when Shopping online, make sure you can see what the swimsuit looks like front, back and side views: you dont want nasty surprises! and make sure their return policy makes sense!

Same goes for regular stores, check the swimsuit from all angles when you have it on and check for stitching, fabric and details once you take it off.

Try to find  the one good salesperson in the store.  You wont know until you ask!

when trying the swimsuit, wear a thong (since you cant try them naked for sanitary reasons) you would be surprised how much bigger you will look with full size underwear under the bottoms.

Dont assume that black hides all.  Try experimenting with fabrics, you will be surprised on how prints in the right area can help improve a multitude of sins!

Cut yourself some slack.  You can be your own worst enemy when it comes to your flaws.  There is no gain in that.  If you are overweight, have stretch marks, scars... whatever it may be!  They arent going away just because you focus on them.

Finally, If you are too concerned on what people are going to think, then you got bigger fish to fry.  Most people you see on the beach you will never see again, and those you will most likely like you, so draw from that, take a deep breath and shake it like you just dont care!

 

xoxo

Nilsa

What's HOT for Swimwear 2009

Summer is just about here and its time to take a look at what you should be wearing!

Hot Right Now

Non- Matching pieces

For a few summers now, we have been seeing an increase in the mix-matching trend.  Now I am happy to announce its official!  Not matching your suit top to the bottom has become a life saver for many women with body issues, as putting prints on top helps distract from your bottom and vice versa.  

Mixing and matching your tops and bottoms can fix some common body problems.

Bold Prints

Bold prints make a comeback every few seasons (I honestly never get rid of my big prints because I know I will just end up buying them again!)  If you arent a big fan of big prints all over, then opt for a two piece or for a bikini or swimsuit that has only "a touch" of print.

Bold prints, specially in black and brown can be worn for years!

A Black Suit

Much like the little black dress, the white button down shirt and dark denim, the value and versatility of a black suit (being bikini or one piece) cannot be denied.  Just be careful with not overwhelming yourself with too much black, specially if you are really (really) pale.

A classic bikini with a bit of beading or hardware can really jazz up the look.

A Classic Cut

A classic cut, such as the tie side triangle bikini, the halter tops will never go out of style, making you look "relevant" summer after summer.  Its an investment worth the money!

Stripes!  Stripes!  Stripes!

This summer is all about stripes, and the bigger the stripes, the better!

go nautical or mix and match stripes for an even bolder look.

Stripes can detract attention from parts of your body you are trying to hide.

Red

is always popular, but this summer?  even more than ever!

Not only is vivid red a universally flattering color, but slimming as well.  

The Multi-tasking Cover Ups

Having a cover up that does more than one thing is the way to go to fake more looks than one.

Drowning yourself in big kafkans or "flowing" cover up may seem like a good idea, but have you ever stop to think how many pounds you are adding to your frame by wearing styles that are too lose?

Remember that cover ups that are too sheer can only be worn on the beach, but if you pick something with more texture then you can wear it as a dress in the evening as well!

ALL these are THE SAME dress (in two different colors!).... How about that for versatile?

The New Shorts

The new shorts are not tiny little things that let it all hang out.  Thank goodness!

The problem with shorts, is that if you are tall, then they ride up too high on you.  If you are too short, they look too big on you.  Shorts are a summer staple that should be carefully selected (after all, you are going to be wearing something over that bikini, arent you?

These ones below are one size fits most, and you are bound to get them right to your body because they are tied to you, no more pulling up or pulling down!  Anything tied or wrap-around for summer is a must!

SUMMER 2009 KEY ACCESSORIES:

Bangles, the more the merrier!  specially in animal print.

The classic gold sandal will take you from day to night in a flash

Trust me, a fedora will give you more style than any straw hat ever could!

The chunky, statement necklace is still going strong and its more tame than bling

 

 

A beach tote you can carry "off the beach" is a great buy.

Gold colored jewelry is hot, hot, hot!

When in doubt, invest in a pair of aviator sunglasses, the reason they never go out of style is that they are timeless!

SUMMER 2009 BEAUTY TRENDS:

SUMMER 2009 HAIR:  Its all about glossy, shiny hair that is bursting with health and good condition.  So start now by deep conditioning with every wash.  A deep conditioning treatment (after shampoo and conditioner) can be great if left in for a few minutes.  It can really help your hair get back into shape.

Styling your summer hair should be simple.  Not too much blow-drying, as humidity will take its toll.  Keep your hair off your face, as grease can make you break out.  The heavy fringes or bangs that made such a huge statement last year, should be swept to one side during the summer.

Want an up do for the evening?  Pony tails are always a safe bet, so is a simple braid, just make sure they are neat and slick.  No sloppy hair, people!

SUMMER 2009 MAKE-UP:  Natural glow is a must!  there is no room in summer for caked on or heavy foundations (unless you got a lot to hide)  the heavier the foundation, the more it shows in the sun.  It can also "run" when is hot.  Tinted cream or suns cream are always a better option.  If you want powder, then go for mineral, which stays and blends a lot more naturally than regular powder.

Remember to add some color to your lips and eyes, lip gloss in a peachy summer shade will get you going for miles.

SUMMER TANNING 2009:  I will always advocate SPF 30 sunscreen.  However!!! being bronzed can shed pounds and make us look healthier, so self-tanning is a great idea that doesnt harm your skin.

Exfoliate the night before you self-tan.  Use a gentle scrub, not those harsher, salt ones.  Dont apply the tan right after you get off the shower because you will need some of the amino acids that occur naturally on your skin to help the tan develop.

Use a light body lotion that is free from oils (they can really screw up your fake tan).  Remember to apply everywhere, that means dont forget armpits, toes, and elbows.  A golden glow is in for summer.  Avoid the over cooked carrot look"

MORE SWIMSUIT DOS AND DONTS!

DO: switch to a high leg cut bottom, to create the illusion of longer, leaner legs.  

DONT: wear bulky bottoms with too much fabric (ruffles, lace, frills)..as they add inches!

DO: pick styles with ties or strings on the side, they distract from your front,directing eyes to your side.

DONT: Wear grandma style one pieces.  Remember, bigger isnt better.  Same goes for "boy shorts".

DO: Bring focus to your chest with a lighter color top, a pretty pattern can enhance your upper bod!

DO:  If you are small breasted, consider beading as the texture can create visual interest :)

DONT: Do too shiny fabrics (specially those latex bikinis in the market) they highlight every bump!

DO: Burn your tankini and opt for a flattering one piece if you have belly issues.

DO: for the 100th time: Go high cut leg and low cut tops... they draw eyes away from your mid section!

DONT: Go too big when buying swimwear:  It will drop or look too big on you when its wet.

DONT: wear triangle top bikinis IF YOU ARE BIGGER THAN A D cup, opt for some support.

DO: tie your tops correctly!:  You will be surprised how many fall off you!  Also remember this tip:

When tying your top, stand in front of a mirror.  Lift your breasts to the right high (your nipples should rest not more than two inches below your armpits) then tie the neck strap so the cups will hold them at that place.  bend over and place your self into the cups, THEN tie on the back.  This may sound troublesome, but the results are amazing!

DONT: buy swimwear that is too sheer (whats the point?) or bulky.

DO: stick to classic shapes that dont age.

DONT: Do high necklines if you are big breasted, you will look trapped!

DO: invest in solid colors as trendy patterns can go out of style quick, but solids in any color are timeless.  Black, red and brown are the safest bets.

Hope this helps you make your summer even better! 

Nilsa 

xoxo

Picking The Perfect Swimsuit: What Works For You? II. Cuts To Flatter Your Body Type!

SO! We got color sorted out, now we have to focus on which cuts are more flattering for your body type.  Please keep in mind that these are general recommendations for body shapes, this has nothing to do with body weight, it is obvious that if you are heavier for your height and shape, that these styles won't look the same on you as they do on someone who is fitter and the same shape as you.

One piece or  two piece?  

Plain or printed?  

What cut top?  

What cut bottom? 

What about my body type?  

  

THE ONE PIECE OR THE TWO PIECE:

Deciding if a one piece or a two piece swimsuit will be right for you mainly depends on your own personal preferences, style and activities.  After all, who wants to be uncomfortable when you are supposed to be relaxing? 

The main reason that many women opt to wear a one piece is because it helps hide the stomach, a problem area for many of us. There are many one piece swimsuits which focus on revealing the back area, (the part of the woman’s body that ages less) in order to compensate visually for the lack of flesh on show on the front.

 

In my opinion, you dont have to be too thin to wear a two piece.  Not all bikinis are cut too small, and some, which are belted, often create the illusion of a smaller waist because of the focus point becomes the belt.

Spandex, (better known as Lycra) is slimming, but you don't want to bulge at the top like a muffin. This can be avoided by buying a bottom a size bigger than your size, so its not too tight on top.  Again, lycra fits to the body so it wont be loose.

One piece suits are now heavily back in the picture, and they dont have to be boring or constricting.  Its all in the cut and in how fun the designs are.  No matter which type of suit you pick, you should take under consuderation your body shape,which colors work with your skin and what cuts flatter you most.  This is where most women get it wrong.

THE BEST CUTS FOR YOU!

Choosing the Perfect Top

If you are small on top or have a small chest, your top should maximize or enhance what you already have, not making it look smaller.

If You Have Small Boobs

If you are small on the top (a la Kiera Nightly), you have the advantage of being able to wear most of the "new" looks that come every year, yay!.   Most lines design for small breasted clients in mind.  Ruffles (on the tops only, never on bottoms), bright colors and graphics look great on small on top gals.

DO: structured bikini tops with padding and underwire will help create a decolletage.  Horizontal stripes and ruffles around the neckline will add more width.  string bikinis can be tied so they won't gape or sag your frame.  one piece cutout suits will create curves on you.  To add curves to a small bust, try triangle shaped cups and tops that tie at the front.  Contrasting tops and bottoms can be great for you.

DONT: Remember, its all about balance.  If you are small on top, the worst you can do is to reinforce that with a really small bandeau.  Bandeau style tops and dark colored tank styles will diminish your curves.  vertical stripes will make your figure look straighter.  Also keep the bottoms small, the bigger the bottoms, the more small you will look on top.... bad idea!

DO:

DONT: 

If You Have Big Boobs

For big breasted girls a la Kim Kardashian,  solid corlors and stripes are a great option.  and for styles, halters are incrediable flattering.

 Halter styles are favorable.  Suits that are dark on top and light at the bottom divert attention from your bust.  Details like ruffles should be avoided. 

DONT:  strapless as your boobs will just look droopy.  Triangle top bikinis IF your boobs are sagging.

DO:

 

DONT: 

 

If your puppies need room to roam, perhaps you should set them free!  The pooping our or squeezed look is never good, plus you will end up with a nasty mark behind your neck, from where the strings pull in, the weight of your boobs will make them look droopy.  Big boobs need a bit of support.  Triangle tops are great for big boob girls, as long as they arent spilling out at the sides or underneath, like these two.  The cup should contain you, leaving a bit of cleavage for a sexy touch, but never overexposing.  That looks cheap.

Choosing the Perfect Bottom 

If You Are Big At The Bottom

The perfect pair of bottoms should enhance you, never drown you.  Anyone who is larger (mean wider) on the bottom or pear shaped will probably want to wear a high leg cut bikini style, by that I mean:  cut low around the hip and high around the crotch... thats the winning combination to elongate and slim.

String-tie bikini bottoms look great as you tie them to fit .  Same color sets will look good on big bottom girls, but  if you want to mix it up, then do print on top and solid on the bottom, to balance the eye a little bit. Stay away from too busy prints, they will make your bottom jump out.

DO: Draw attention to the positive and keep the eyes away from the not so positive is the secret.  Bikinis or one pieces with eye catching tops and plain (or darker color) bottoms draw attention away from the hips and the butt.  Halters, and padded tops can enhance the upper body and make you seem more in balance.  High leg cut bottoms give you length and make you appear slimmer.  Strapless styles create a horizontal line that balances the figure. 

DONT:  Printed bottoms, which focus attention on the area you want to conceal.  Large bottoms of any color, big skirted bottoms. Stay away from anything like this.  Remember, the more fabric you put around your bottom, the bigger you will look, specially if your chest is small and you can't balance the look.  If you are big on top and big at the bottom, still stay away from boy shorts, big bottoms and skirts because they will make you look big everywhere instead.

DO:

DONT: 

If You Are Small At The Bottom

Girls that are small at the bottom (small hips, small butt) can get away with everything, but just be careful of big fabric bottoms like boy shorts, or big scoop bottoms that are either too big and/or seat too high at your waist, as they make anyone look big.  You can be the thinnest, if you don those styles you will undeniably look bigger.

DO: to create curves.  YOu can do this by wearing a belted bottom, or a style that ties on one side.  Also styles with hardware, or adornment (in moderation) can help you create curves.

DO:

DONT: 

Even if you are skinny, big bottoms will overwhelm your frame, specially if like in the picture one right, you are small breasted.

Choosing the Perfect One Piece 

DO: A good one piece should hold in what you need and showcase what you want.

To put less emphasis on your tummy area, you probably want a one piece. there are beautiful cuts one pieces to choose from, specially grecian style, a very popular style because it brings attention to your shoulder rather than your waist.

There re beautiful solid styles that enhance and slim.  If you want a print, make sure to yo for a flattering, geometric, or animal print, which can trim inches, but you may want to avoid too busy or gaudy prints or you will call more attention to yourself!

DONT: styles that are cut big, have too much fabric specially around your hips and thighs can be very unflattering and make you look outdated.   simple, high cuts will not make you look taller but also slimmer.  Styles are cut too low on the leg won't make anyone look slimmer.  They also do nothing for your upper body if they are plain.

DO:

DONT: 

  

Talk about not making an effort!  These big, shapeless styles in black scream outdated

The Other Little Problems

Long Torso

DO: Shorten a long torso by employing the use of horizontal stripes on a bikini. This will allow the eye to focus on the top and bottom, not the middle. Bottoms with higher cuts (not too much) will make your torso look shorter.  Cut out one pieces make the torso shorter as well.  

DONT:  One piece suits that are too short in the body, styles with vertical stripes and high neck cuts.

DO:

DONT: 

Short Torso

Vertical stripes, but be very careful because these stripes can make you look wider.  To make your short torso look longer, try graphic prints and try halter tops as well as tankinis.  Women with short torsos can appear stocky in the wrong swimsuit styles.  You want to give the impression of lenght and litheness. 

DO: Bikinis with bottoms that sit low on the hips and will expose as much skin as possible in the torso area, this creates length.  Solid one pieces with lunging necklines to create a long appearance.  Vertical stripes can help make your body look longer.  Solid bottoms with printed tops draw attention to the top part of you, creating a longer look

DONT: high-waisted bikini bottoms and suits with horizontal stripes in the middle.  Boy shorts and skirted bikinis, or ruffles which draw attention to your bottom and make you look shorter.

• 
  
• 
  

DO:

 

DONT: 

Slender
Slender or Athletic bodies have shoulders, waist and hips that are the similar in width. One-piece or two-piece suits with detailing around the waist (such as hardware) will help create a more hourglass shape. Try a belted bathing suit bottom to create more waist definition.

DO:

DONT: 

Hourglass 

Hourglass figures have balance shoulders and hips with a smaller waist. You're lucky because just about any classic styled bathing suit should flatter your figure, but stay away from frumpy styles, ruffles, boy shorts and anything else that doesn't accentuate your waist, as this can make you look bigger all over.

DO:

 

DONT:  

Wide shoulders: DO:  Balance is the key. Wear bikini bottoms that have lots of color and print and also sport accents at the hips such as ties, belts and sashes (but don't go overboard with too much fabric). Also, wide shoulder straps and square necklines are fabulous.

insert: alice, sophie, diana (with long strings)

DONT: Avoid the "V" silhouette by staying away from those plunging neck lines.

Wide shoulders: DO: Do your figure a favor by finding a swimsuit that is cut high on the thigh. This will make your leg look much longer. Also, a one-piece suit with a plunging neckline creates a long appearance and is incredibly flattering.

DONT:  Avoid boy shorts and skirted bikinis at all cost!  Anything that will draw the eye downward, will make you look shorter.

Long body:  DO: You can wear embellishments at the hips and bust line, but be careful not to become a christmas tree!  Try horizontal stripes, hipster bottoms will create an illusion of curves if you are curveless.

DO: 

DONT:  Avoid up and down stripes (in fact, everyone should), high necklines and dark, solid colors (bright solid colors are OK).

No Waist:  DO: Create curves with a belted bottomwhich will give the appearance of a whittled middle. Bikinis are good for you as long as they arent high waisted. Add some illusion at the hips with rings and bows. If you're small on top, go for a strapless bandeau.

DONT: Avoid solid-colored swimwear or horizontal striped one-pieces

Athletic Shape:  DO: Show off your toned arms and shoulders with a halter bikini. If you have a boyish figure, try to wear suits with flirty details. Try bows or ties on the side of the suit that will help create visual curves.

DONT:  Avoid solid swimsuits without pattern and detail. Stay away from swimsuits that don't have support and shape.

Hourglass:  DO:  Hourglass figures have balance shoulders and hips with a smaller waist. If this is you, you're lucky because just about any classic styled suit should flatter your figure. A tiny looks great on you!

DO:

 

DONT:  Don't  be shy!

ITS ALL SMOKE AND MIRRORS, FOLKS!!!

SOME MORE TRICKERY:

If you want to bring attention to your cleavage (rather than your hips)  wheater you are big or small brested, wearing a one piece swimsuit with a ring hole or a low cut design, or graphic print will help you do that.  

Choosing dark colored suits will help slim as we all know, black, white or a combination of the two ALWAYS slim, but remember your skin color so your dont look washed out.  Shades of red are also universally flattering.

You are able to emphasize various areas of your body with a one piece swimsuit. For anyone who wants to put more emphasis on their hips and shoulders, a cutout one piece swimsuit or monokini will look great, it all depends how it is cut.  Some monokinis have a lot of fabric in the front (to cover the stomach) and others dont.

If you want to emphasize your shoulders and back area, you can opt for a swimsuit which is low cut in the back. like cocochette.  if you want to emphasize your shoulders without showing much stomach, then Desi is a great choice.

SO! now that we know even stars can't live to ridiculous beauty perfection, lets get more comfortable, shall we?

Making the most of what you have is not impossible and remember, if:

• You are not a personal trainer and dont look like one?   You can still wear swimwear!
• You are pale and hate to tan?  You can still wear swimwear
• You ate a bit during the winter and dont have time to slim down?  You can still wear swimwear!

And dont let anyone tell you that you cannot.... its all on how well or how bad you pull it off! 

We all have parts we struggle with, bits we want to hide or disguise...so dont get discouraged just learn to make wise choices!

Hopefully now you have the information that you need for choosing color and cut, which are the most important elements when picking not just swimsuits, but anything to wear.

xoxo

Nilsa

 

Picking The Perfect Swimsuit: What Works For You? I. Color To Flatter Your Skin Tone

The never ending war...

• What colors work for me? 
• Which colors should I avoid? 
• Should I even be mixing colors?   

All these questions are all too real and many of us don't know the answer.  Buying swimwear can be daunting when you don't know what to look for.  In this entry, I am concentrating on COLOR.  I will walk you through what colors work and which don't.  I hope you find this helpful as it solves one of the two most important elements when picking what to wear, COLOR and SHAPE/CUT.

SUMMER 09: Color Is King... And Color Blocking Is Queen

Spring/Summer of 2009 is bursting with color blocking (combining colors that you usually wouldnt put together and mixing them to wear all at once).  This is funny because I have been color blocking for years, here are a few examples:

That's me wearing a dress I put together myself (I made it out of two old dresses) and put a corsage on it just to "bring it up a notch", the color combinations I chose were Aqua and Purple.  Putting those two colors together is called color blocking.  The colors don't have to be in the same top, bottom or dress.  Mixing the colors and making them work is what matters.

Another color blocking example:  I love my hot pink Brioni top with white and navy stripes Armani skirt.  I wore that outfit with the shoes pictured above, (Sergio Rossi Red Splash Patent Shoes Fall 2008)... as you can see, that combo is not for the timid, but people stopped me on the street to ask me where I gotten it all from!  Don't be afraid of color, just be afraid of the WRONG color!!

Please remember this isn't a one fits all guideline.  Yes, these colors are recommended for certain skin colors, but don't go by that alone because skin colors varies a lot within one shade and some of the "don't" colors may actually work for you if your skin color lighter or darker than she shades we are mentioning here.

These guidelines are very often correct, but like I said above, it all depends on how light, red, or deep your shade is.  When in doubt, just pick colors that have known to favor you in the past.  Those colors people keep telling you again and again that you look great in.

WHAT COLORS WORK FOR YOU?

Porcelain Skin

• If you have:  Porcelain like skin tone: Kirsten Dunst, Katherine Heigl, Nicole Kidman

• The DO:   Baby blue, turquoise or aqua, lilac, soft gray and orange always enhance you

• The DONT:   Hot pink, vivid blue, yellow, green (when solid) will make you face look paler.  If you are pale, use these colors at the bottom but not at the top.  If you have gotten a tan already, then use them both on top and bottom. 

 

DO! DON'T!

DO! This colorful stripes number would generally be a don't but Katherine already had a tan and it made her look toned and lean.

DON'T This hot pink foil monstrosity should have stayed at the hardware store.

  

Ivory Skin

• If You Have:    Ivory skin with black, brown, chestnut hair and dark eyes: Ann Hathaway

• The DO: White, black, navy blue, red and hot pink will bring out your features

• The DONT: Beige, orange, gold (on fabric only) and pastels will mix you into the background.

  

DO! DON'T!

 

DO! Christina Ricci works a red hot bikini, which makes her stand out

DON'T! This pastel is not a good match for Ann, the bottoms could be smaller to balance her small boobs.

Just in case you don't think they have the same skin color, behold!

Although in this picture Christina appears to have green eyes, she doesn't.  She has Brown eyes.  Their complexion is about the same, but in the pictures above, Christina's choice of color makes her look vibrant; unfortunately, Ann looks washed out.

Medium To Dark Brown Skin

• If You Have:  Medium to dark brown skin with dark eyes and hair: Jessica Alba, Jennifer Lopez

• The DO:  You are in luck! Black, pink, beige, royal blue, navy, Emerald, Ruby,  Purple, gold, red, orange and turquoise are great

• The DONT: Avoid any colors that may come to close to your own color, so you don't blend into the background.  Pistachio, mauve, olive (if your skin goes towards those color only) as well as pastels, earthy tones should be avoided.

  

DO! DON'T!

DO! This hot black/white combination is great on tanned skin

DON'T!  Those bottoms are too close to her real skin color and make it look like shes nude from the waist down... Oooops!

Light To Bronze Brown Skin

• If You Have:   Light to bronze brown skin with auburn, highlighted hair is ok) and light brown or green eyes: Jennifer Aniston or Charlize Theron

• The DO Camel, beige, gold, red, brown and chocolate, bright on top (with or without patterns and plain/neutral on bottom can work wonders for you as well

• The DONT  blues, navy blue must be specially avoided, dont wear more than 3 colors at once.

  

DO! DON'T!

DO! Classic red is alluring and flattering to her skin.

DON'T! This print is too busy, too loud and the bottoms drown Jen, shrinking her boobs.

Dark Rich Skin

• If you have: Dark rich skin, dark eyes, dark hair: Naomi Campbell, Halle Berry, Tyra Banks, Beyonce

• THE DO  White, khaki, gray, baby blue, purple, pink, red, green, orange and navy will look best on you

• The DONT    Brown, magenta, turquoise in too much quantities should be avoided. Combinations of too many neon colors, and really dark shades like black and navy do you no favours. 

  

  

DO! DON'T!

Do! This green, with gold accent bikini is perfect for Tyra's body type and skin color.

DON'T! Brown on dark brown is just not a good idea, specially with those nasty stripes on the chest, if you have big boobs like tyra you want to avoid something remotely close to this.

Pale to Pinkish Skin

• If You Have: Pale to pinkish skin with natural or died blond/ strawberry hair, or light brown hair with light eyes: Lindsay Lohan

• The DO Anything fruit colors!, silver, baby and most blues

• The DONT Black (unless you have already tanned), orange, anything to close to your own skin tone

  

DO! DON'T!

DO! beautiful blue triangle bikini bring out the best in Lindsay

DON'T This "flesh colored" bikini blends her right into the background... she looks washed up.

  

Peach Or Freckled Cream Skin

• If You Have:    Peach or freckled cream skin with golden or light red hair and blue or green eyes: Isla Fisher

• The DO Off white, light blue, beige, apple green, mocha, brown, melon

• The DONT Dark, "dull" hues (shiny hues are OK) and purple, orange

  

  

DO! DON'T!

DO! This cute blue color enhances Isla's skin type to perfection

DON'T This unflattering color drains her, making her appear paler

The colors you wear can either make you fade into the background, or stand out in the crowd. It's all about the right color to make you stand out.  Even if you dont think a color looks good on you, or haven't worn i t before, give it a chance because it can surprise you!

 WHICH "SEASON" ARE YOU"?

Another easy (and very user friendly) way to figure out what colors to wear is the SEASON color palette.

This palette only asks you to consider if your skin is Warm or Cool toned.  You do not need to consider your hair color or your eye color as much for this.  If you have a different color than your original hair color, its always a good idea not to stray too far away from it when choosing shades, that way the "season palette" will look best.  

Of course, understanding what your tone is, is the most important factor on deciding on color.  Undertones can be found by looking at the underside of your arm, where is generally lighter.  If your veins appear bluish then you are COOL toned.  If they appear greenish then you are WARM toned, simple!

So check your arm and then check the colors out:

If you are cool-toned, your skin will be either: 

• Dark brown with reddish or blue undertones 
  
• Brown with pink undertone
  
• Olive or true olive (Latin Americans, Asians) 
  
• Medium with no color in cheeks 
  
• Medium with faint pink cheeks 
  
• Pale with no color in cheeks 
• Pale with pink undertones  
• Ruddy-Pink red
• Brown or bronze when tanned

Famous Cool Toners:

Elizabeth Taylor, Cher, Sharon Stone, Michelle Pfeiffer,  Princess Caroline, Catherine Zeta Jones, Oprah, "Snow White', Elizabeth Hurley, Gloria Estefan, Cindy Crawford, Angela Bassett, Winona Ryder, Sophia Loren, Charlize Theron, Meg Ryan, Vanessa Williams, Courtney Cox, Demi Moore.

If you are COOL, then these colors are best on you:

  

  

Top Cool Colors To Wear:

"Jewel tones" or clear colors - blues, greens, pinks, purples, blue-greens, magentas, and blue-based reds, pure white and black.  People in this palette can easily wear black.

If you are warm-toned, your skin will be either: 

• Very dark brown with golden undertones 
• Brown with golden undertone 
• Medium with golden undertones 
• Pale with peach or gold undertones
• Golden brown when tanned 

  

Famous Warm Toners:

Nicole Kidman, Sarah Ferguson, Isla Fisher, Gillian Anderson, Hilary Clinton.

If you are WARM, these are the best colors for you:

Top Colors To Wear If Your Are Warm:

"Earth tones" or muted colors - yellows, oranges, ivory, browns, yellowish greens and orange-based reds.  

You can very easily buy clothes, make up and accessories following the WARM and COOL palette, however, if you need a little extra, you should know that within the COOL and WARM palette, there are four seasons (Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter).  

I explain them below and this pretty much offers all the info that you need, but do not despair!  If you already found the info you needed above, the part below is just to tie it all together for those who need a bit more help.

Cool Color Seasons

Summer Colors

Summer is a cool tone with blue or pink undertones and a low level of contrast between their hair, eye color and skin tone. They need soft neutrals and pastels, as well as muted colors with cool undertones. Powder blue, dusty pink, mauve, lavender, plum, and pale yellow will complement them. Avoid intense, vivid hues because they will look harsh. Earth tones, black and orange will also drown out the skin. Summer celebrities: Denise Richards, Eva Habermann, Jeri Ryan

Winter Colors

Winter profiles have a lot of depth to their coloring and a lot of contrast between their hair color, eye color and skin tone. Winters need hues that are sharp, stark and clear to complement their skin. They look best in intense, rich colors, like black, navy blue, red, and hot pink. For lighter colors, wear bright white or icy pastels, such as cool blues, pinks and yellows. Avoid earthy tones and subdued colors like beige, orange and gold as they will make the skin look unhealthy.  

Winter celebrities: Alicia Keys, Rosario Dawson, Kristin Kreuk

Warm Color Seasons

Spring Colors

Springs can wear very pale, soft colors, such as peach, camel, golden yellow, golden brown, and aqua. They also look good in ivory, bright greens, true reds, clear blues and coral. Avoid colors that are too dull and muted or too dark. Avoid black and white, which are also too contrasting.

Spring celebrities: Gillian Anderson, Lindsay Lohan, Evangeline Lily

Autumn Colors

Autumn profiles have a lot of depth to their warm skin tone. Rich golden, spicy, and earthy colors will accent the complexion. Autumns can wear both muted and rich warm colors that are seen in autumn leaves such as camel, beige, olive, orange, gold, and dark brown. They also look great in a rich warm grey.  Autumn celebrities: Jessica Alba, Natalie Portman, Aishwarya Rai

Just remember:

• If you can't decide between Cool or Warm Skin Tones - Cool coloring is much more common than warm. You probably know if you are warm.

• Avoid colors that are too fleshy-colored or to close to your own skin tone.   Flesh-tones colors can make you appear unhealthy and from a distance, naked.   Who wants to look sick and naked?

• Make an impact by wearing bikinis of contrasting colors, this look "color blocking" is very in now, but more importantly is very flattering .  for example yellow and blue, yellow and purple, red and white, black and white, can work wonders, remember to lend-in with complimentary colors.

This takes care of color, watch out for my next entry:

"What Works For You? II Cuts To Flatter Your Body Type"

xoxo

Nilsa